Blackberry vs. iPhone
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Superman or Spiderman? Chocolate or vanilla? Skiing or snowboarding? These age old questions that have stirred up a lot of discussion yet a definitive answer has not, and probably will never be made. Adding to this list of tough comparisons is new BlackBerry vs. iPhone debate. While the answer remains up to you, I can help by offering my personal opinions and experiences to help you arrive at a conclusion.
While I may be biased in this debate as I do own the Blackberry Bold. Before buying this phone I too struggled with the decision of which device to buy. As both are carried by my wireless network AT&T, I had the option of going with either phone for a fairly similar price and fairly similar basic features.
Before going into the comparisons of each phone’s capabilities and stats, let’s talk about the different options. A potential BlackBerry customer is given many more options, such as their choice of wireless networks including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, multiple color options and more models in which to choose. The iPhone, offered exclusively from AT&T has only variations; eight gigabyte vs. 16 gigabyte and white vs. black if one chooses to go with the 16GB model. So for the consumer who values personal choice and assortment, BlackBerry has more to offer in that department.
In looking at the costs of the different phones, starting with BlackBerry there is more range in the pricing of its devices due to the different models to choose. Keep in mind these prices are reflective of the typical two-year activation agreement that is standard with any wireless carrier, not the market value of the phone, and does not take into account the costs for calling features, text messaging, data or e-mail. The Pearl, BlackBerry’s smallest device, goes for $70-79. The Curve is the most basic style, with the full keyboard and wider dimensions is priced at $79-99, the Bold at $249 and the Storm at $199.
The iPhone has a much smaller range of prices as it only has two variations to offer; these being the 8GB and the 16GB. The 8GB runs for $199 with a two-year activation agreement while the 16GB is offered for an additional hundred bucks at $299.
Comparing the sizes, The Bold and the iPhone may be the most compatible since they are the same size. The Bold has dimensions of 4.48″ x 2.6″ x .55″ which is similar to the iPhone’s 4.5″ x 2.4″ x .46″ specs. Compared to other models of BlackBerry the iPhone is taller but thinner, which may make it easier to hold than the wider, basic BlackBerry. The 2.6 inch-wide BlackBerry 800 series model and the 2.9 inch 700 series is wide, which can provide ease of two-hand typing, but may also make it hard to fit in one’s hand.
The biggest difference between these two phones is the obvious touch-screen capability of the iPhone which may have given this device an edge over BlackBerry. In fact, Blackberry responded by releasing the BlackBerry Storm with Verizon this past November. While the touch screen of the Storm may appeal to some with its clickable display, the iPhone is much more user friendly to the fingers. The downside to the touch screen is the sensitivity of the buttons. “The touch screen sometimes bothers me. It’s very sensitive so random icons get touched, like I can be in the middle of a phone call and my cheek could touch the screen and mute the call,” said senior Kat Newkirk.
Aside from the iPhone’s edge with its pleasing touch screen, both iPhone and BlackBerry offer similar basic functions; voice capabilities, messaging, e-mail, Internet access, camera, video and music. In terms of the message and email features of these two phones, I find typing to be easier on a BlackBerry. The full keyboard allows for quick, mistake free typing which can be achieved on the iPhone but it definitely takes some time getting your fingers used to typing. Web browsing is very friendly on both phones and depends if you prefer using the mouse-like toggle of the Blackberry or the hands on browsing of the iPhone.
The battery life may be something for the potential buyer to consider. The iPhone has a battery life up to five hours. This is similar to the Bold’s 4.5 hours; the Curve’s 5.5 and the Storm’s six-hour talking capability. Senior Katherine Crump has the Curve, and “the battery does not last too long, so I feel like it needs to be charged a lot, which can get very annoying.” Crump said. The life of the phone’s battery depends time spent on the Internet, playing games and using some of the other many functions, which drain the battery more quickly than if the phone is used strictly for talking or messaging.
While there are clear differences and advantages to each phone, it is not clear which one is better. Personal preference to display layout; how to access the different functions; and which carrier operates the device may be the key to determining which is the top pick. In terms of choosing a general winner the iPhone and BlackBerry seem to be joining Superman and Spiderman in the face off with an always indeterminate victor.
